Sending a clear message to the state government, the Nawada-Naharpur Industrial Association—that comprises of industries neighbouring IMT Manesar—has said that its members might have to relocate to other states, if the condition of the infrastructure—particularly the Naharpur-Hayatpur road—does not improve in the near future.
Nirmal Kumar Minda, CEO and Managing Director of Minda Industries Limited, who is also the President of this Association, says that the condition of this road is so bad that it has become almost impossible for vehicles to ply on it. “We have approached the local administration, including the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner, but no action has been taken,” he says.
Incidentally, the Nawada- Naharpur Industrial Association has only 14 members; and all of them have major industrial units on this road. Vice President of the Association S.K Rathi says that they have large tie-ups with companies abroad, and it becomes embarrassing for them to invite their customers and partners from abroad – as infrastructure is in very poor shape.
N.K Kansal, MD, Kansal Industries wants the government to ensure that traffic from National Highway 8 is not diverted to this road. “Heavy traffic, coupled with overloaded building material carriers, have destroyed this road. We got it repaired, but the volume of traffic is so high that nothing works here,” he says.
There are around 5000 workers employed in the industrial units here. The companies here contribute a lot of money to the state exchequer, in terms of taxes – but despite that we are given a step-motherly treatment”, laments Ajay Singhal, MD Om Logistics. He wants the government to take the matter up on priority, as the industry is suffering heavily.
The urbanisation of the local villages in the vicinity of these industries is causing some more problems to the industry, says the Association. Naharpur village, that had an original population of around 6000 people, presently houses around 2.5 lakh people – that work in the industrial units in and around Manesar.
Alban Bernier, CEO of Donaldson Filtration Solutions, complains that the dumping of sewage water behind their factory has led to unhealthy conditions in the area, and foul smell emanates constantly from there.
Employees in our factory are refusing to work in a particular part, as it is very difficult to breathe there. Donaldson Systems also wants to expand, but the question is: Are we ready to do it in the present circumstances?” he says.
When asked what has been the experience in other countries, Bernier says, “I have worked in China for 4 years, and whenever the industry faced a problem it was resolved immediately. They first build the roads, power-lines and sewage system, before allowing the industry to come in. Here it is totally opposite”, he says.
He however appreciated the Indian work force as being hardworking and loyal to the company. “The people are good, but the system needs to work”, he quips.
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